Re-adjusting to Academic Life: Study Tips for Adults Returning to Education

For most people, making the decision to go back to education is the easy part. Actually, the challenging part is getting back into the swing of things and remembering how you managed your studies before. Don’t beat yourself up though if everything does not come instantly on your first day. Just like it took you some time to ease into professional life, being a student again is certainly a transition. In this article, we will provide you with some study tips for finding your way back into a productive academic routine.  

1. Consider Your Learning Style 

Different people process information in various ways, so do not fret if you cannot instantly recall all the information given to you in a class. This can be quite overwhelming, particularly in the early days. Therefore, be prepared before you start. Think back to professional situations in which you have needed to process a ton of information. How did you find it easiest to learn?  

Some people use visual image, read their notes aloud, record them on their phones or write their notes out numerous times. Find out about the various learning style, identify yours and stick to that because it works best for you. That way, you will recall things easier because you are approaching it naturally rather than trying to force yourself to remember everything after the first class.  

2. Make Use of Your Resources 

Re-entering the academic environment with younger classmates can be intimidating. As a mature student, do not let the fact that you may be older keep you from asking questions or admitting gaps in your own knowledge. Whether you are attending college in person or online, get in touch with your lecturers however you can and introduce yourself. This will help you to establish a good working relationship from the beginning.  

Also, take advantage of any extra help your lecturers offer. Going back to education as a responsible adult is a brilliant opportunity to do all the things you meant to do last time. So, read your course material, take notes and actually study your notes later. That is what you are here for, so remember to seize every opportunity available to learn and develop.  

3. Write Like It’s Your Profession 

Lengthy writing assignments can cause anxiety in college students of any age. Writing thousand-word essays is not a simple endeavour. However, if you would like to approach it right, it can become much more manageable. Therefore, treat each assignment like you would a professional task. In other words, identify your deadline and come up with a plan of action.  

In addition, pace yourself to make sure you have enough time to conduct thorough research, brainstorm, put thought into your writing and of course, edit. Also, remain receptive to feedback whether it is negative or positive. Feedback is designed to help you to reach your academic potential so remember this.  

4. Remember to Take It Seriously 

Although it is unlikely you made the decision to go back to education lightly, it can be difficult to keep up that sense of purpose once you are there. Years of practical employment can make studying appear slightly self-indulgent, or not as essential as real work. This will be particularly true if you have a family or are studying part-time.  

However, it is crucial that you make all your coursework a priority to get as much as possible out of your experience. When you begin to sway, revisit the reasons you decided to go forward with this opportunity to advance your education. Ensure you are scheduling in the time for your studies. Although it can be easier said than done, don’t let other things get in the way of your studies.